16 Places to Eat and Drink in Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina is known for their beer scene. With more than thirty breweries in the Asheville area, it rightfully earned the name of Beer City USA in 2009. But there is also a budding food scene that is sweeping through the city-after all, you'll need something on your stomach to soak up all that beer.

This is one of those cute Instagram-worthy spots with the original baby blue food truck parked outside its brick and mortar location. But the doughnuts at Hole Doughnuts really are so good that I ended up coming back to this spot every morning for breakfast during my last trip. The doughnuts are made fresh to order, giving you a front-row seat to watching them being made. There are daily varieties but the glazed and cinnamon sugar were my absolute favorites.

Wicked Weed Brewery, although no longer a craft brewery after selling out to Anheuser Busch, is still a staple located on the main drag of Biltmore Avenue. Known for its Funkatorium, where sour beer lovers rejoice, and a wide array of unique bar food, this is a great spot to relax outside.

Located in the downtown area of Asheville is AUX Bar, serving upscale American fare. The laid back atmosphere is a fun spot to just spend the evening while sampling their unique cocktail menu. Their menus change frequently with whatever is in season, so it's like trying a new restaurant each time you go.

Green Man Brewery is one of Asheville's original breweries and has been making great beer since 1997. Green Man claims to have more English traditional style ales, but they have also started making berry and even a sour beer recently. If you like dark ales and stouts, this is definitely the spot for you.

Wow-this place is good. Almost a hole in the wall, and known more among the locals. This is a smaller space, so don't be surprised if you have to wait. But the wait is definitely worth it. Foothills Butcher Bar specializes in making sure you have the freshest and best cuts of meat. The Butcher Board is a must and any of the sandwiches are a sure homerun.

Wanting to throw a curveball into your brewery tour? Noble Taproom and Cidery offers light and refreshing drinks on tap, but there are 'regular' brews too if not everyone in your party is 100 percent on board. There's plenty of space to relax, play games and even check out some local artwork on display.

Just walking in here, you'll be treated to the aromas of chocolate, coffee and pastries. Decorated like a European café, the French Broad Chocolate Lounge is the perfect spot to grab a sweet treat and pass the afternoon talking with friends. The French Broad is the river that runs through Asheville, separating it into Asheville and West Asheville.

This is one of those places that you smell as you're walking down the street and say "Where is that coming from? I want whatever it is!" There are a plethora of taco options, so be sure to bring plenty of people so you can share and try each kind.

Sierra Nevada Brewery is located just outside of Asheville in Fletcher, North Carolina and can be a destination in and of itself. Just driving up, you see this massive industrial building. But even with so much space, this place can get crowded as it's a fan favorite. Personally, it's hard for me to decide if I like their food or their beer better-both are great. Plus there is a whole outside area and amphitheater.

I went on a weekend girl's trip to Asheville, and this was our dinner spot on Friday night. We kept on talking about how great the food was that we ended up going back on Saturday night for dinner as well. Carmel's Kitchen and Bar has southern food with flair. And there are plenty of delicious dishes that you may just want to come back multiple times.

White Labs Kitchen and Tap is almost a hidden gem in Asheville, but with their growing popularity, I can't imagine it staying like this for long. Make sure to arrive hungry as you'll want a sampling of everything. But, the absolute can't miss is the pizza-made with their special yeast and cooked in their pizza oven, it is perfection.

If you want a true Southern breakfast, you have to go to Biscuit Head. There is an assortment of gravies, from redeye to coconut and even a gravy of the day, and an abundance of delicious toppings/fillings for your biscuit. You won't be leaving here hungry.

It may sound odd including a restaurant that is part of a hotel, but this is really a can't miss spot. Although Capella on 9 has an extensive menu, it's their cocktails and small plates that really stand out. This was the first place I tried Asheville's staple mustard-The Lusty Monk. Plus this has a great rooftop area, tons of lounge areas both inside and outside and beautiful views of the city.

Okay so technically this isn't a true restaurant or brewery, but LaZoom is one of the best ways to visit multiple breweries throughout the city. Just hop on the purple bus, be entertained by the live musicians or comedians as you make your way to the next brewery and then hop off at the next brewery. Just don't be surprised if you see a nun on a comedically tall bicycle riding alongside you.

Vivian is a great brunch spot where you will not be leaving hungry. The proffertjes-little pancakes with powder sugar-are a must and you may need to even double up your order. This trendy restaurant also serves dinner and has small plates, or nibs, 5-6 pm daily.

Highland Brewing Co. is Asheville's original craft brewery and was started in 1994. Located just outside of downtown Asheville and Biltmore Village, it's not uncommon to see tents set up for craft fairs and festivals. There's a rotation of food trucks and almost daily events happening.